§ 51. Rear-Admiral BEAMISHasked the President of the Board of Trade what international conventions concerning shipping are now awaiting ratification by this country; what is the intention of the Government in regard to each; and whether legislation will be necessary
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. W. R. Smith)The International Conventions affecting shipping awaiting ratification by this country are those relating to Safety of Life at Sea, Load Lines, 1186 Limitation of Shipowners' Liability, Maritime Mortgages and Liens, and the Immunity of State Owned Ships. A Bill to give effect to the Safety of Life at Sea Convention was introduced in another place in November last, but my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade is considering the possibility of dealing with that Convention and the Load Line Convention in one Measure. Legislation will also be necessary to give effect to the remaining three Conventions, and it is the Government's intention to introduce legislation relating to the Shipowners' Liability and Mortgages and Liens Conventions as soon as possible. The immunity of State Owned Ships Convention requires, before legislation can be undertaken, a supplementary agreement which has not yet been signed by the Powers concerned.
§ Mr. C. WILLIAMSMay I ask whether the hon. Member intends to proceed with this legislation, and, if so, whether he will hurry up with it?
§ Rear-Admiral BEAMISHMay I ask whether it is anticipated that the legislation to be introduced in another House is going to be confined to the second Measure of which the hon. Member spoke.